108 skydivers set new freefall world record

    Typical, you line a huge group together for a photo and they go and do something silly like stand on their heads.

    They can be forgiven for larking around though, for as they lined up for the camera these daredevil skydivers were setting a record for the biggest ever formation of people in freefall.

    It was also a plus point that the photographer had a steady hand and a fast shutter (and no fear of heights), for these 108 jumpers plummeted to earth at a speedy 180mph.
    108 skydivers set new freefall world record
    Bombs away! The planes looks more like a cropduster or World War II bombers as they ejects their load

    First the skydivers had to get up there - and as they leaped from the planes they looked like human-shaped bombs released by the maddest of dictators.

    Then, still above the cloud level, they began to clump together and hold hands in an insane, upside down version of hokey-cokey.

    Timing of the jaw-dropping event was so crucial they had just one second after linking together to break off and prepare for a safe landing.

    Jumpers need to begin preparations for a safe touchdown at just 7,000 feet.

    The breathtaking world record attempt was achieved on Friday at the Skydive Chicago event in Ottawa, Illinois., USA.
    108 skydivers set new freefall world record
    That sinking feeling: The daring skydivers line up for the camera, cheekily posing upside down as they plummet

    Hurtling towards the surface of the planet like these highly trained extreme sportspeople is known as freeflying.

    Ecstatic Luis Prinetto, 30, who manages his own pressure-washer company, said: 'It feels amazing. The previous record was 69 people freeflying in formation so we absolutely smashed it.

    'One jumper got into trouble and it's utter chaos up there so finding your allocated slot in the formation can be very tough.

    'Eventually he managed to make his way through the crowd and get into position but it was really tight. We were nearing the lowest altitude we could do it from so we were only able to hold it for a second before we broke off to get ready for landing.

    'We knew we had done it though and people were screaming with joy before we even got to ground.'

    Courageous team members jumped from five different planes and raced to join the first jumpers who had started the centre of the formation below them.

    To make sure all jumpers arrived at the same point in the air, those last to leave the plane needed to accelerate to eye-blistering speeds of over 180mph in order to catch up with their colleagues.
    108 skydivers set new freefall world record
    The 108 daredevil jumpers reach speeds of up to 108mph as they head firstly to the photoshoot and then onwards to the ground

    World air sports officials Federation Aeronautique International judged the attempt and confirmed it as a record when the jumpers returned to their base.

    The 108 international freeflyers were carefully selected over a year of qualifications from events around the world.

    The final selection of expert jumpers performed preparatory jumps starting on Wednesday and gradually built up to 108 in formation.

    Venezuelan Luis, who lives in Florida, said: 'Planning was everything.

    "You can't hear anything up there so once you are in the air you can't communicate.

    'It all came down to knowing where your spot was and getting there after fighting through dozens of bodies floating around you at 180mph.

    'We all partied pretty hard on Friday night. It's an amazing feeling.'

    The stunning aerial photos were captured by expert photographer Norman Kent.

    The 52-year-old is frequently hired by big movie producers to manage high-altitude camerawork.

    His latest films include Get Smart with luscious Anne Hathaway and action man Steve Carell. American Kent was hired as Director of Aerial Photography.
    108 skydivers set new freefall world record
    There's always one... or two: Most of the jumpers get together for the picture, but as ever, one's late for the party and another is eager to get going

Blog Archive

Total Pageviews